“Woman, what are you so afraid of?”

“I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Ha. Yeah, you are. You’re scared.”

Dominique laughed at the streetwise way Jake pronounced the word, and worked hard not to correct his yeah as she would have done with Justin. Instead she simply repeated, “I am not afraid. I’m realistic.”

“If that’s the case then let’s go with the flow, for real, and see where it leads us. You’ve made it very clear that one”—Jake counted on the thick, strong fingers that had played a concerto on Dominique’s flesh—“you’re not looking for a serious relationship. Two, you won’t bring a man into your life or the house, tonight being the exception, because of Justin. Three, your career comes first. Four, a man can’t wear the pants in your house because you’ve got them on—”

“What?” Even sitting in her king-size bed, Dominique’s hand found its way to her hip.

“You heard me and don’t even act like it isn’t true. You wear the pants in this family. “

“In this family, I’m the only one who can.”

“Point taken. But as the chief at your company and the queen of your castle, you’re used to being in control. I get that.” Jake took her hand, began tracing the lifelines on her palm and caused Dominique’s heart to soften... a little, especially when he turned those big, brown eyes on her and looked at her so sincerely. “I’m just saying you can have all that,” Jake brought her hand to his chest, “and this, too. You might find it hard to believe, but it had been a while since I’d been with a woman.”

“I could tell.”

“How’s that?” Jake asked, though he knew the answer.

“The first round lasted less than five minutes.”

Jake turned until he could lie with his head on her soft thighs. “I didn’t hear you complaining.”

“Short and sweet worked just as good as long and leisurely.”

“I’m glad.” Jake tweaked Dominique’s nipple. “I love your breasts,” he said, his voice almost reverent. “You know what I’m ready for now?”

Dominique felt familiar flutters as she anticipated his answer. “What?” she breathed huskily.

Jake sat up. “Food, woman. What do you have to eat in this house?”

Dominique thought of Jake’s stocked kitchen and felt embarrassed. “Nothing you’d like,” she admitted.

“Well, let’s order in,” Jake said, rising from the bed. “And include some ice cream, so that I can bring those sweet nothings I whispered the other night to life.”

14

14